INSIDE BASEBALL: Phil Rogers takes you around the major leagues. WHISPERS

Whispers

October 07, 2007|By Phil Rogers

The White Sox aren't the only team that will be looking to trade pitching for hitting this winter. The Giants are expected to shop 14-game winner Noah Lowry for a thumper. ... Few teams are expected to pursue pitching more aggressively than St. Louis, which can't count on getting anything from the surgically repaired Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder. Dontrelle Willis and Jon Garland are on the Cardinals' radar screen, and the jump in payroll could make them players if Minnesota puts Johan Santana on the market. ... Shortstop Felipe Lopez, an All-Star in 2005, is a candidate to be traded or non-tendered by the Nationals. ... One scout calls catcher Geovany Soto the most impressive Cubs player in the two playoff losses in Arizona. "He has a chance to be one of the best catchers in this league in a hurry," said the scout, who also sees a nice future in the bullpen for Kevin Hart. ... Kerry Wood is getting watched closely by scouts who see his value on the free-agent market possibly surpassing the Cubs' willingness to hang on to him for another season. He was throwing 96 m.p.h. Thursday night in Game 2, prompting talk that he could emerge as a closer in 2008. ... White Sox lefty Heath Phillips and Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin are in the collection of minor leaguers who will represent Team USA in the World Cup in Chinese Taipei next month. Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, Cincinnati outfielder Jay Bruce, Pittsburgh first baseman Steven Pearce and Dodgers outfielder Delwyn Young are among the highly regarded prospects on the American team. It will play a weeklong schedule in the Arizona Fall League before leaving for Chinese Taipei.